#WeeklyColumn | It’s In Queens!

Muppet fun? It’s In Queens!

Things are getting busy in the borough. This week’s list has 30 events, including Shakescpeare, Tom Cruise, Kermit, The Little Mermen, and Lady Pink. Please read on.

June 20, The Public: Shakespeare, June 22. Free, family-friendly production of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” from a mobile unit. Queens shows are at A.R.R.O.W. Field House on June 20, Queens Night Market on June 21, and Roy Wilkins Park on June 22.

June 20, Summer Solstice, 5 pm. Celebrate the longest day of the year with rituals, food by local vendors, a sunset, and more. Socrates Sculpture Park, 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City.

June 20, Tom Cruise, Aug. 17. Watch movies starring Tom Cruise. Schedule: Risky Business, June 20, 7 pm; The Outsiders, June 21, 5 pm; The Outsiders, June 22, 1:15 pm; The Color of Money, June 27, 7 pm; Legend, June 28, 4 pm; The Color of Money, June 28, 6:30 pm; Legend, June 29, 1 pm; Cocktail, June 29, 3 pm; Born on the Fourth of July, July 5, 5:30 pm; A Few Good Men, July 6, 12:30 pm; Rain Man, July 6, 3:30 pm; Born on the Fourth of July, July 6, 6:30 pm; Jerry Maguire, July 11, 6:30 pm; Edge of Tomorrow, July 12, 1 pm; Interview with the Vampire, July 12, 6:30 pm; The Firm, July 13, 12:30 pm; Interview with the Vampire, July 13, 3:30 pm; Jerry Maguire, July 13, 6 pm; Eyes Wide Shut, July 18, 6:30 pm; Magnolia, July 19, 6 pm; Magnolia, July 20, 1 pm; Eyes Wide Shut, July 20, 5:30 pm; Minority Report, July 25, 7 pm; Collateral, July 26, 4 pm; War of the Worlds, July 26, 6:30 pm; War of the Worlds, July 27, 12:30 pm; Minority Report, July 27, 3 pm; Collateral, July 27, 6 pm; Top Gun: Maverick, Aug. 2, 12:30 pm; Top Gun (70mm), Aug 2, 3:30 pm; Top Gun (70mm), Aug 3, 12:30 pm; Top Gun: Maverick, Aug 3, 2:45 pm; Days of Thunder (70mm), Aug 8, 7 pm; Days of Thunder (70mm), Aug 10, 1 pm; Tropic Thunder, Aug 10, 5 pm; Jack Reacher, Aug. 17, 3 pm. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria’s Kaufman Arts District.

June 20, Antonio Hart Quintet Featuring Antoinette Montague, 8 pm. Jazz with Grammy-nominated saxophonist Antonio Hart and his quintet. They are Barry Cooper on trombone, Nasheet Waits on drums, Donald Vega on piano, Alex Ayala on bass, and Antoinette Montague on vocals. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd.

June 21, Dr. Dog, 4:30 pm. These quirky Philadelphia rockers are based in 1960s music, but with an indie aesthetic. Forest Hills Stadium, One Tennis Pl.

June 21, Muppet Babies Take MoMI, June 22. Bank of America presents a weekend of family fun anchored by the exhibition of newly restored puppets, including the Muppet babies of Kermit the Frog, Baby Gonzo, and Baby Rowlf. From 1 pm to 5 pm on both days. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria’s Kaufman Arts District.

June 21, Jamaica Dance Festival 2025, 7 pm. This annual festival continues with Quaba V. Ernest (ballet), Venza Dance (an interdisciplinary arts collective), and Forces Of Nature Dance Company (a blend of modern, traditional West African, Afro-beat, Fusion, ballet, house and hip-hop). King Manor Museum, 150-29 Jamaica Ave.

June 21, Malikah’s Astoria Halal Fest, noon. Six hours of Halal street food, Muslim-owned businesses, modest fashion, live performances, henna, art, and surprises on Steinway Street in Astoria.

June 21, Juneteenth Concert, 3 pm. Endea Owens and The Cookout play music to celebrate African American excellence. Owens is a bassist, composer, and bandleader. Louis Armstrong House Museum, 34-56 107th St., Corona.

June 21, Yant: Tattoo, Art & Craft Fair, June 22. A two-day celebration of creativity and community with local artists, crafters, tattooers, bakers, food vendors, live workshops, and micro exhibitions. From 11 am to 8 pm on both days. Yant Art Space, 72-50 Austin St., 2nd Fl., Forest Hills.

June 21, How To Fest: A Film Festival Reality Check, 1 pm. The Queens World Film Festival presents an Industry Insight Exchange, which covers various facets of film festivals. Ridgewood Branch, 20-12 Madison St.

June 21, Joanna Sophia 5K Fun Run/Walk, 8:30 am. A vibrant journey through cultures from around the world, while live music energizes participants at each kilometer. The celebration continues after the finish with entertainment and food. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Parking Lot, 196-10 Northern Blvd., Whitestone.

June 22, CSIFF Community Screening, 3:30 pm. An afternoon of Caribbean films featured in Conch Shell International Film Fest with a moderated chat afterward. Black Spectrum Theatre, 177-01 Baisley Park, Jamaica.

June 22, Spanish Operettas, 1 pm. The Free Community Festival continues with an afternoon of zarzuelas (Spanish operettas) and Latin American romantic songs with opera singers Ilya Martinez, Carla Lopez-Speziale, Rafael Lebrón, Evelio Mendez, and John Root. Thalia Spanish Theater, 41-17 Greenpoint Ave., Sunnyside.

June 22, Queensboro Dance Festival: Class Xchange, 1 pm. Juyayay Ecuadorian Dance and Classical Indian Dance Classes as part of the Queensboro Dance Festival. Modega Dance Studio, 11-05 44th Ave., Long Island City.

June 22, The Sensational Soul Cruisers, 3 pm. Under the direction of legendary Jersey Shore sax player Screamin’ Steve Barlotta, this 11-piece group pays tribute to the very best of Classic Soul, R&B, Motown, and Disco. Hillcrest Jewish Center, 183-02 Union Tpke., Flushing.

June 22, Stroller Tour, 10:30 am. This stroller-friendly tour is designed for parents and caregivers of infants 0–12 months. Adults will learn about Isamu Noguchi’s life and artwork while babies are engaged through sensory activities. The Noguchi Museum, 09-01 33rd Rd., Long Island City.

June 22, Fanciful Totes Workshop, 1:30 pm. Phyllis Ger leads a workshop on decorating tote bags. Materials provided. Voelker Orth Museum, 149-19 38th Ave., Flushing.

June 24, An Arts & Healing Guided Meditation, 4 pm. Jimena Luna from “Sit With Me In Wonderland” uses creative visualization, music, and storytelling to help attendees on their healing inner journeys. Sunnyside Library, 43-06 Greenpoint Ave.

June 25, Riddim Section Presents: Steven Kroon, 8 pm. The series finale features Steven Kroon, who has worked with such notables as Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, and Lady Gaga. He’s also played on the Tonight Show with David Letterman and the Grammys. His band is a high-energy Latin Jazz sextet. Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave.

June 25, The Maspeth Welding Women’s Outdoor PSA Tournament, June 29. A squash tournament on the only outdoor, steel court the United States. Watch 24 top women athletes from all over the world. Maspeth Squash, 59-30 54th St.

June 25, Movies In The Park: Mulan, 7 pm. This 1998 animated musical based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan screens outdoors as part of a program run by the Queens Culture & Arts Network with funding from City Council Member Robert Holden. Juniper Valley Park, vicinity of Juniper Boulevard and 80th Street, Middle Village.

June 26, Lady Pink. Unveiling of a mural by Lady Pink that weaves together imagery emblematic of her practice—surreal brick structures, NYC skylines, and the 7 train—in homage to 5Pointz and New York’s history as an embattled and complicated site of creative experimentation. The public plaza at MoMA PS1’s main entrance, vicinity of Jackson Avenue and 46th Avenue, Long Island City.

June 26, StorySLAM, 6 pm. The Moth Community Team organizes a StorySLAM to kick off extended summer hours. Gather under the covered patio to hear and share personal stories on the theme of GREEN. Queens Botanical Gardens, 43-50 Main St., Flushing.

June 26, The Little Mermen, 7 pm. This Disney Singalong Tribute is the ultimate experience band for Disney fanatics of all ages. The band’s repertoire covers all 82 years of the Disney canon, including favorites from The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Mary Poppins, and Frozen. Band members dress up as characters from the films. Juniper Park, vicinity of Juniper Boulevard and 80th Street, Middle Village.

June 26, Percussia’s Rhythm Explosion, 6 pm. Queens-based Percussia continues its Rhythm Explosion series. Plus, Argentine bassist Pedro Giraudo performs a composition by Ridgewood composer Skip LaPlante. Queens Library Long Island City, 37-44 21st St.

June 27, Above Ground, June 29. A world-premiere solo piece written and performed by playwright Ginna Hoben with Stephanie Weeks as the director. One woman addresses her decades of journal entries, subsequent blogs, social media comments, and published works, all of which lead her to the questions What is the value of my words? + What is the value of my life? Shows are June 27 at 8 pm, June 28 at 8 pm, and June 29 at 2 pm. The Hellenic Cultural Center’s Newtown Stage, 25-02 Newtown Ave.

June 27, Miles Reloaded Live in New York, 7:30 pm. Bangladeshi rock band Miles takes the stage. With a career spanning more than four decades, Miles has become a cornerstone of South Asian rock, captivating audiences with powerful vocals, iconic guitar riffs, and timeless hits like “Phiriye Dao,” “Neela,” and “Chand Tara.” Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Image: Muppet Babies Take MoMI is on June 21-22.